Steven Gerrard calls England’s ‘golden generation’ “egotisitcal losers” | OneFootball

Steven Gerrard has delivered a stark assessment of England’s so-called ‘golden generation,’ admitting that ego and rivalry prevented the team from achieving the success many believed was inevitable.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast and transcribed by Sky Sports, the former England captain described how club loyalties fractured the national squad during the 2000s, an era that included the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, and Gerrard himself.

“We were all egotistical losers,” Gerrard confessed. “We had so much talent, but never became a real team. The culture in England wasn’t friendly or connected. We were rivals first and team-mates second.”

The 45-year-old, who earned 114 caps for his country, reflected on how cliques based on club affiliations, particularly between Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea players, eroded team unity. He admitted that he now enjoys better relationships with some former rivals than he ever did while playing alongside them for England.

Gerrard also revealed the personal struggles he faced while on international duty, recalling long, isolating nights in hotel rooms before matches. “I hated it,” he admitted. “I loved the games and training, but outside of that, I felt low. I didn’t feel part of a team.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle